What you need for a theater workshop

A theater workshop needs more than scripts and a room. You need flexible props, simple costume pieces, clear participant materials, and a practical setup for breaks and presentations. Plan seating for every participant, plus open floor space for exercises. Check technical equipment before the workshop day, especially power leads, audio, and projection. This list helps you buy or bring the items that are easiest to overlook when the program is already taking shape.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 35
Tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving bowlsqty 6

Equipment

Portable speaker
Bluetooth music player
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Flip chart
Flipchart markersqty 4
Projector
Laptop

Theater supplies

Prop boxesqty 4
Hand mirrorsqty 6
Folding chairsqty 4
Neutral clothsqty 6
Hatsqty 10
Scarvesqty 12
Masksqty 12
Hand puppetsqty 6
Costume binsqty 4

Paper goods

Notepadsqty 35
Ballpoint pensqty 35
Text cardsqty 100
Name stickersqty 40
Clipboardsqty 6

Decorations

Balloonsqty 30
Garlandqty 3
Arrow signsqty 6

Lighting

LED lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemon - 4 pieces
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 25 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted pretzels - 3 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 750 grams
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White rolls - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 6 pieces
- Vegan spread - 4 packs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Prepare one participant pack with a notepad, pen, name sticker, and any text cards at least one day before the workshop. Bring 10% extra stationery so late registrations or lost items do not disrupt the session.
Choose props that support several exercises rather than buying one item for each scene. A small set of hats, scarves, masks, puppets, and neutral cloths can create different roles without filling the room.
Allow at least one chair per participant, but keep enough floor area clear for movement and scenes. Use folding chairs where possible so the room can switch quickly between discussion and performance.
Count serving items against the registration list before shopping: one drinking glass, coffee cup, plate, and cutlery set per person is a workable baseline, with 10% extra for replacements.
Test the laptop, projector, portable speaker, music player, extension cords, and power strips together before opening the hall. A short test saves time when participants are waiting for the first exercise.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a theater workshop?: Bring props, costume pieces, notepads, pens, text cards, name stickers, chairs, and basic presentation equipment. For a group of 20, prepare at least 20 participant sets and keep 2 extra sets available.
How many theater props should I buy for a workshop?: Start with 2 to 3 prop types for each main exercise, rather than one prop per participant. For 20 people, a shared collection of about 15 to 25 varied items is usually enough for rotating groups.
How many chairs and tables do I need for a theater workshop?: Provide one chair per participant, plus 2 spare chairs for facilitators or late arrivals. Use tables for registration, materials, and refreshments, while leaving the central floor open for acting exercises.
When should I check the workshop equipment?: Check all equipment at least 24 hours before the workshop and test it again when setting up. Confirm that the laptop, projector, speaker, music player, extension cords, and power strips work together.

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